WCBC

Governor Larry Hogan announced a new action plan to incentivize Marylanders to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.  VaxCash 2.0, a partnership between the Maryland Lottery and Maryland Department of Health, will award a combined total of $2 million to lucky Marylanders who are fully vaccinated and boosted.  The promotion kicks off February 15 with a special initial drawing of $500,000.  Ten weekly drawings for $50,000 each will follow the initial award, culminating May 3 with a $1 million cash prize for one lucky Marylander.  Maryland residents 18 and older who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccinations and their booster shot in Maryland at any time are automatically entered to win. No registration is needed.

Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available on Wednesdays at the Allegany County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  No appointment is needed for first and second doses of Moderna vaccine (age 18+) and first, second, and booster doses of Pfizer vaccine (age 12+).  Appointments are still required for the Moderna booster vaccine and can be scheduled using the links below:

• February 16:  https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/6969120821
• February 23:  https://www.marylandvax.org/appointment/en/reg/6969150521

For assistance registering for an appointment, county residents can call the COVID-19 call center at 240-650-3999. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are also widely available at local pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and some primary care providers. 

For individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has recommended a fourth dose of Moderna or Pfizer COVID vaccine three months after the third dose.  Individuals who think they may fall into that category should talk to their doctor about a booster (fourth) dose.

The health department continues to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 testing at the Allegany County Fairgrounds (11400 Moss Ave., Cumberland) on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Members of the public can also obtain a limited supply of free KN95 masks by stopping by the Willowbrook Office Complex (12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD) or any branch of the Allegany County Library System during regular business hours.  Studies have shown that consistently wearing a face mask in indoor public settings is associated with lower risk of COVID-19. N95 masks and KN95 masks provided the most protection, reducing the change of infection by 83% as compared to 56% for cloth masks and 66% for surgical masks.

ALLEGANY COUNTY COVID-19 DATA AS OF FEBRUARY 8: